Fla. study endorses proton therapy for prostate cancer

The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute is the largest freestanding… (Sangjib Min, Daily Press…)

April 04, 2014

A new study by the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute revealed that the vast majority of prostate cancer patients were living cancer-free five years after proton beam treatments.

There has been intense debate over the past few years as to whether proton beam therapy produces better results than other treatments for prostate cancer patients. It costs significantly more, but is covered by Medicare and most insurance.

In the past, Dr. Allan Thornton at Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute in Hampton, has noted the importance of improved quality of life in proton beam patients.

"We are most excited about medium-risk patients," said Dr. Nancy Mendenhall, medical director of the Florida institute. They showed a 99 percent cancer-free rate as compared to the standard 90 percent.

"We think we can go faster because with protons most radiation is put on the target and very little outside," she said. "With IMRT and any kind of X-ray based therapy, most of the dose is deposited outside the target — and injuries result in side effects and complications."

Mendenhall noted that national guidelines issued two years ago by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that recommended against PSA screening for the general male population has resulted in fewer getting screened. The result has been later diagnosis and more medium-risk patients. "We've been seeing a much higher percentage of patients with medium and high-risk disease," she said.

The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute is the largest free standing facility of its kind. It provides treatment for a variety of cancers including prostate, head and neck, and pediatric. It will hold a seminar at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, for those who want to learn more. Register online at http://www.hamptonproton.org, or call 757-251-6838. The institute is at 40 Enterprise Parkway in Hampton.

The institute also hosts support groups for proton therapy patients every second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6 p.m. Call 1-877-251-6838 to register.

Medicare and same-sex marriage

On Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Social Security Administration is now able to process requests for Medicare Part A and Part B Special Enrollment Periods, and reductions in Part B and premium Part A late enrollment penalties for certain eligible people in same-sex marriages.

This comes in response to the June 26, 2013, U.S. Supreme Court ruling in U.S. v. Windsor, which held the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. Because of this ruling, Medicare is no longer prevented by DOMA from recognizing same-sex marriages for determining entitlement to, or eligibility, for Medicare.

"Today's announcement helps to clarify the effects of the Supreme Court's decision and to ensure that all married couples are treated equally under the law," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a news release. "We are working together with SSA to process these requests in a timely manner to ensure all beneficiaries, regardless of sexual orientation, are treated fairly under the law."

While Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration is responsible for determining eligibility for, and enrolling people in, Medicare.

On Tuesday, April 8, from noon to 7 p.m. Ben and Jerry's at 332 Water St. in Yorktown will offer a free scoop of ice cream to every person. Donations will be accepted and all proceeds will benefit the Lackey Free Clinic, 1620 Old Williamsburg Road in Yorktown.

On Thursday the clinic announced it was one of 70 clinics nationwide to receive a grant from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. The grant will be used to focus on diabetes management and education.

The Lackey Clinic provides free medical and dental care to the uninsured and every year it serves more than 1,500 patients in over 12,000 patient visits. To contact the clinic, call 757-886-0608.

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